If the hydrogen atom is in an n = 3, ℓ =2 state, what is a possible value for ℓ after a photon is emitted?
A)3
B)0
C)4
D)2
E)1

Name: If the hydrogen atom is in an n = 3, ℓ =2 state, what is a possible value for ℓ after a photon is emitted? A)3 B)0 C)4 D)2 E)1
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Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a photon is emitted, the angular momentum quantum number ℓ can change by ±1. Since the initial ℓ is 2, the possible values after emission are 1 or 3. However, 3 is not an option, so the correct answer is 1.

If the Hydrogen Atom Is in an N = 3